etd @ Mason (Electronic Theses and Dissertations)http://hdl.handle.net/1920/2811
This collection contains dissertations, theses, and projects from various programs at George Mason University that were submitted to the University Libraries in electronic formats.Sun, 18 Feb 2018 04:47:42 GMT2018-02-18T04:47:42Zetd @ Mason (Electronic Theses and Dissertations)http://mars.gmu.edu:80/bitstream/id/fc9633ec-ef3d-41da-9471-bfe954828050/udtsmars.jpghttp://hdl.handle.net/1920/2811
Using Proof-Of-Concept Feedback to Explore the Relationship Between Artists and Procedural Content Generation in Computer Game Development Toolshttp://hdl.handle.net/1920/10884
Using Proof-Of-Concept Feedback to Explore the Relationship Between Artists and Procedural Content Generation in Computer Game Development Tools
Dieterich, Robert Ota
This paper explores the relationship between 3D artists and procedural content generation (PCG) in computer game development tools by presenting a proof-of-concept implementation of a new tool to artists with game development experience and examining the feedback. The tool presented for feedback implements a method, dubbed Selective Terrain Expression, by which artist-created 3D models can be selectively combined with procedurally-generated terrain. By analyzing the feedback provided, the author gains suggestions for improvements that can be made to the tool itself as well as insight into the nature of PCG in computer game development tools and the methods used to discuss them in academic research on PCG.
http://hdl.handle.net/1920/10884Biological and Cultural Evidence for Social Maturation at Point Hope, Alaska: Integrating Data from Archaeological Mortuary Practices and Human Skeletal Biologyhttp://hdl.handle.net/1920/10883
Biological and Cultural Evidence for Social Maturation at Point Hope, Alaska: Integrating Data from Archaeological Mortuary Practices and Human Skeletal Biology
Justice, Lauryn
This thesis explores social age in a sample of hunter-gatherers from Point Hope, Alaska
using dental estimates of age-at-death and archaeological mortuary practices.
Constructions of age based on biological milestones are not always applicable crossculturally
as maturation is also a cultural event. In addition, the social ontology of
identities within hunter-gatherers represents a neglected area of bioarchaeological
research. Radiographs were taken of 36 mandibles associated with Ipiutak (AD 400-750)
and Tigara (AD 1100-1700) cultural groups. Ages were estimated based on tooth
formation. Data regarding grave goods, body positioning, and spatial orientation were
interpolated from the original site report. In both cultures, subadults in the 0.1 to 3.0 year
cohort are buried face down, without grave goods. Between Ipiutak and Tigara subadults,
individuals within the 4.0 to 12.0 year cohort are interred face up, supine, their head
spatially oriented towards the west, with animal implements such as ivory carvings. In some instances, individuals between 2.1 to 10.0 years of age, are buried with adults, and
the burial is overlain with grave goods. These findings indicate similarity in social
development between Ipiutak and Tigara cultures, though stylistic variations in grave
goods suggest transformations in the symbolic nature of these implements. This study
demonstrates the value of integrating the archaeological mortuary record with biological
data to enhance perspectives on the development of social boundaries associated with
biological age in past communities.
http://hdl.handle.net/1920/10883Optimizing the Coverage of Navigable Waterways: The Optimal Placement of Environmental Monitoring Stationshttp://hdl.handle.net/1920/10882
Optimizing the Coverage of Navigable Waterways: The Optimal Placement of Environmental Monitoring Stations
Mackessy-Lloyd, Trevor
This paper presents a method for optimally placing environmental monitoring stations to maximize coverage of areas that enhance the safety of commercial marine navigation. This method is based on traditional maximal covering formulations, incorporating marine traffic volume data derived from Automatic Identification System (AIS) broadcast data to prioritize high volume areas. This research shows that operations research techniques can be used as the basis for designing navigation support networks, highlighting the synergy found between coastal oceanography, geographic information science and optimization modeling.
http://hdl.handle.net/1920/10882Experimental Investigation of Narrow Gap Improved Electroslag Welding for HPS 70W High-Performance Steelhttp://hdl.handle.net/1920/10881
Experimental Investigation of Narrow Gap Improved Electroslag Welding for HPS 70W High-Performance Steel
Denes, Andrei
This thesis presents an experimental investigation of the Narrow Gap Improved Electroslag (ESW-NG) welding method when applied on HPS 70W high-performance steel and the associated tests required for qualification of the welding method under the American Welding Society D1.5:2010 (AWS) bridge welding code. The welding process is studied in detail through testing of two weld qualification plates and the base metal. Tension testing, toughness testing and hardness testing of specimens with various geometries and orientations within the two plates and the base metal were performed, in addition to the tests required for weld qualification. The testing methods and specimens used are thoroughly described and their significance is explained. The experimental results achieved the objective of determining and characterizing the mechanical properties of HPS 70W high-performance steel when welded with ESW-NG. However, the research revealed that ESW-NG cannot be pre-qualified for HPS 70W per the AWS code at this time due to the failure of the all-weld tension specimens.
This thesis has been embargoed for 1 year. It will not be available until April 2018 at the earliest.
http://hdl.handle.net/1920/10881